§ MR. O'SHEEI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Dungarvan Urban Council, the Dungarvan Board of Guardians, and other public bodies have passed resolutions strongly urging that the sum of £93,000 which the Treasury agreed to ask Parliament to vote for the construction of the Cork to Fermoy direct line, should be granted for the construction of a loop line from Cappagh to Clonmel, which would open up an agricultural country, and enable the fishing industry to be largely developed, by providing increased facilities of transit; and whether, having regard to the sacrifices made by the ratepayers of Dungarvan and the barony of Decies without Drum for railway development in the past and present, this project will receive the favourable consideration of the Treasury.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY (Mr. VICTOR CAVENDISH, Derbyshire, W.)As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, the Treasury is bound, in a certain event, to pay the £93,000 to the Fishguard and Rosslare Company under their Act of 1898 and the agreement scheduled thereto. Even if this were not the case, the money is not available, nor is there any power to apply it, for the purpose indicated in the Question.
§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)Is it the case that the three years limit has not yet expired?
§ MR. VICTOR CAVENDISHIf the hon. and learned Member will consult me privately I may be able to explain the position of affairs.